Asma Ghawth Al-Samadani

From amongst the effluences of Lordly Grace that illuminate the Qadiri path is this litany of appellations and honorifics extolling the rank and virtues of Sayyidina-sh Shaikh Muhyi-d Din ‘Abdu-l Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah sanctify his secret).

Each of these is a petal that makes up the sweet scented rose named, ‘Abdul Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah perfume his mausoleum). His spiritual fragrance, inherited from his exalted grandfather (Allah bless him and give him peace), has emanated all domains.

It will appear perplexing to even Muslims how one can lavish such praises on a created soul who is not even an Envoy of God. Indeed, love is strange. These epithets were lovingly bestowed by ardent lovers upon a beloved master at whose blessed hands and in whose radiant path they had attained that which is beyond words.

Sayyidina-sh Shaikh is an embodiment of the Prophetic essence. Every word of praise upon him is in reality exalting the Paragon of creation (Allah bless him and give him peace). Consequently, it is also laud of the One Transcendent Lord, for it is said that praising the courtier is in effect praising the King, who is the Ultimate Goal.

This litany is also known as an Isti’ana or “Plea for Help” where the succour of Sayyidina-sh Shaikh is sought for one’s worldly needs and other-worldly aspirations. There is certainly no power or strength except with Allah, the All-High, the Almighty. And He bestows His Lordly Grace on whomever He desires — be they treading upon the earth or hidden beneath it.

Amongst the works where this litany can be found are:

Al-Fuyudat Ar-Rabbaniyya by Shaikh Isma’il Muhammad Sa’id al-Qadiri

Bukhari Ratib by Sayyid Muhammad Bukhari Tangal al-Kannanuri

Daruru-l Mu’minin (Part 2) by Hajj M. A. Shahul Hameed al-Madrasi

Al-Munjiyat (4th Edition) by Dr. Taika Shu’aib al-Kirkari al-Siddiqi

The version of the litany presented here broadly corresponds to the one found in Al-Fuyudat Ar-Rabbaniyya. The differences being the addition of:

Ten (10) epithets found in the other versions

Lengthened supplication at the end

Success is from Allah.

Arabic Text

English Translation

“Behold! Verily on the friends of God there is no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
The Noble Koran [Chapter: Jonah, Verse: 62]

Names of the Immortal Succour

In the Name of Allah, the Universally Merciful, the Singularly Compassionate

O master of dispensation in this world and in his grave, by Allah’s leave!

O master of the foot raised over the neck of every saint of Allah!

O he who reaches his disciple when the appeal for help is made, even if he is far away in the Levant! Your horse is saddled and your sword is unsheathed; your spear is raised and your bow is strung; your arrow is on target and your mount is ready to ride!

The Plea for Help

O supreme succour, look upon me with the eye of solicitude, aid me in all my states, support me in all my aspirations, help me with all my needs, and direct me in your path, in honour of your forefather Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), and through his intercession, his spirit and his quintessence. Assist me for the sake of Allah.

O Allah! O Allah! O Allah! O Universally Merciful! O Singularly Compassionate! By Your Grace, Generosity, Favour, Munificence, Subtlety, Kindness, and by Your Universal Mercy, O Most Merciful of the merciful! O Allah, ameliorate us by their blessings, strengthen us by their patronage, illuminate our hearts by their radiance, and secure our needs through their prodigies.

Sufficient for us is Allah, and He is the Best Guardian; the Excellent Protector and the Excellent Helper. And there is no strength or power, except with Allah; the Most High, the Supreme in Glory. May Allah bless our master Muhammad and his family and companions, and may He grant them peace. And praise belongs to Allah, sustainer of all the worlds.